Plans for 75 Gallon Reef Tank

reefienick · 01/09/2010, 08:15 PM

I have a 75 Gallon tank that I am going to convert from freshwater to saltwater reef tank. Here is my plan of what I was going to do. Any comments and suggestions would be much appreciated.

I will be purchasing a hang on the back overflow that will flow to a 30 gallon tank under the 75 gallon. I was going to have rock and sand in the 30 gallon tank. I have a canister filter that I was going to pump the water from the 30 gallon tank up to the 75 gallon reef tank. (Is this a good idea to use a canister for this??)

I am going to get some rock and add a smaller portion of live rock to it and cycle the rock. Same with the sand.

I was going to add 2 or 3 power heads in the tank. Should I get the ones that move from side to side? Also how much water flow is needed? I want to have enough water flow but not too much.

I am going to do compact florescent lights but not sure what type yet so any suggestions here would be great (I will most likely get a DIY light)]

I am not sure if I am going to get a protein skimmer or not.

So far this is what I have planned out for my 75 gallon reef tank. Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

chubby190 · 01/09/2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefienick

I

I was going to add 2 or 3 power heads in the tank. Should I get the ones that move from side to side? Also how much water flow is needed? I want to have enough water flow but not too much.

I am going to do compact florescent lights but not sure what type yet so any suggestions here would be great (I will most likely get a DIY light)]

I am not sure if I am going to get a protein skimmer or not.

So far this is what I have planned out for my 75 gallon reef tank. Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

I'm pretty new to the sport too. My advice is to go for the right lighting the first time. It's worth the money you'll spend trying to rig cheaper lights together, and it's vital to anemones or chorals.

A definitive yes on getting a protein skimmer. I questioned it's necessity when I converted to salt (I used to have several large piranha tanks) but once I saw the goop that gets drawn out of the tank daily I knew it was a good purchase. ( the foam you see in the waves on the beach is what the protein skimmer is emulating)

Another piece of advice is to take it slow, and do it right. I've hit a few hiccups with not knowing what I'm doing--had I loaded my tank with hundreds (or thousands) of dollars worth of livestock and corals I'd have killed them all a couple times over.

In other words cycle that tank, and make your mistakes on the cheap fish. RIP nemo.

sedor · 01/09/2010, 08:23 PM

Here is a list of things to get/change about your plans:

1) Don't use the canister filter to return from the sump. I would suggest a mag 7, but there are plenty to choose from.

2) If you want some simple to start with go with Hydor Koralias for your powerheads. For moderate flow I would say 2 Koralia 3's should be enough.

3) Don't get CF lights especially if you are good at DIY. Get yourself a T5 retro kits. Start with 2 bulbs and you can always add more in pairs if you want to keep coral etc. The great thing about retrofit is you can add more because you are not limited by a fixture.

4) Get a protein skimmer, they are necessary in reef tanks IMO. Its an important piece of your filtration. It doesn't have to be fancy, maybe an Octopus 150 or something similar. Thats a whole different topic.

It sounds like you've done some research. Welcome to the world of reefing

210reefer · 01/09/2010, 08:27 PM

Def take your time and always use quality components like lighting, skimmer, etc. As for the cannister doing the return, I would'nt. I would go with an actual return pump, a mag 7 or 9 with a valve to control flow, a typical overflow is 1" so it will be 600 gph minus loss for any curves/elbows that slow flow.

Chasmike · 01/09/2010, 08:33 PM

i agree with T-5 versus CF for sure. T-5 gives much more lighting choices and colors.

garzaci · 01/09/2010, 09:35 PM

Do the T5s. Also, don't use the canister filter for that. Something is bound to go wrong and leave your floor soaking wet and your tank/sump empty.

Chiefsurfer · 01/09/2010, 09:49 PM

+1 on t5's.
+1 on the canister not being right for the job
+1 on the hydor koralias(they are not the best, but plenty of people have good success. it is what I use)

I would also say, if the tank is not set up yet, why not drill the tank for a correct overflow? I think when starting from scratch, definitely using a sump, I would drill every day of the week with a real overflow vs HOB overflow. The HOB overflow just has too many openings for disaster.

reefienick · 01/10/2010, 11:49 AM

Thanks for all of the expertice here. I will not use my canister filter and look at the mag 7.
I also am now for sure getting a skimmer!!!!
I also like the T5 alot better than the compact florecent!!!

Thanks for all the adive and anyother suggestions would be VERY welcome.

theo4thorn · 01/10/2010, 12:08 PM

I have already lost one complete tank and have recently started a new one. TAKE YOUR TIME and dont rush allowing the tank to go through its cycle. Learn all u can about water quality and diseases. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck

reefienick · 01/10/2010, 03:00 PM

I plan on taking my time. I am not converting for a least 3 months. I am saving money as well as finding out what I need. There will be many more questions coming from me to reef central

phenom5 · 01/10/2010, 04:07 PM

Definitely T5's over PC's IMO. Do some research (looks like you are already) on what makes a good T5 set up. A good T5 set up can be a fantastic set up, and not so good T5 isn't much more then PC's.

Definitely no on using the canister as a return, but I would add this. I'd shoot for 3x-5x turnover through your sump. You could probably get away with less of a pump as your return. Just food for thought.

*Edit* I was just looking at the head loss chart on MD.com for the danner pumps, and a mag 7 with a decent amount of head loss isn't as much flow as I thought it would be, not a bad choice.

Skimmers are good. Good skimmers are great. Bad skimmers...not so much. Depending on what your looking to do, you could get away with a large refugium, and no skimmer. Although IMO a decent skimmer is never a bad thing.

Koralias are a good choice for flow. You want to shoot for 20x turnover on the low end. A lot of people go a lot higher then that depending on what you're looking to keep.

Also, I'd highly recommend drilling the tank (or having drilled) if it's not set up already. Not much cost different, actually cheaper depending on the HOB overflow you use, and a much better set up in the long run.

fishybudguy · 01/10/2010, 04:54 PM

ok this is simple.....everyone is giving great advice i wont add anything otherthan t5s are nice but not what i use,protein skimmer......yea this is a must......check out the aqua c remora hang on it is supposed to be good and it comes from a very good family........MOST IMPORTANT like all say go slow dont believe in all the jump start stuff,it helps but you still cant cycle in 2 minutes...try at least a month no matter what anyone says trust me.....whats your rush,take it slow and you will reep the benefits versus rushing into it and waisting a bunch of money....

good luck and happy reefing

swamprat · 01/10/2010, 05:31 PM

would a remora be big enough for a 75?

reefienick · 01/10/2010, 08:06 PM

where would be a good place to get the glass drilled? I would not want to do it myself for this. I am handy but I don't think I am that handy??

If I put an extra small hang on back overflow would that help? I guess the problem is if it clogs, is this correct?

Chiefsurfer · 01/10/2010, 08:16 PM

there are many problems. It could clog, it could lose suction. The biggest issue is if you lose power, you COULD lose syphon, and you will pump your entire sump into your display, OR that your return could create a syphon, and some of your DT will empty into your sump.

If controlled and watched, shouldnt be an issue, BUT if not watched intently, could cause an issue.

I know that drilling the hole is said to not be too hard. BUT, I wouldn't trust it either. Try and get a local aquarium builder that builds glass tanks in your area. you can EASILY get the tank drilled, and a bulkhead installed for the same price of many of the hang-on overflows. Any builder that builds glass tanks should be able to drill your tank fairly easily.

Snookster · 01/10/2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefienick

where would be a good place to get the glass drilled? I would not want to do it myself for this. I am handy but I don't think I am that handy??

If I put an extra small hang on back overflow would that help? I guess the problem is if it clogs, is this correct?

I just went from tanks with HOBs to drilled. Do drilled, you'll save yourself some headaches (and lots of water noise). There are lots of videos out there on how to do it yourself. Also, there are probably a few glass shops that would do it for you fairly reasonably it you don't think you're up to the task.

I was very nervous when I did mine, but it really was easy. Just make sure you don't rush it.

P-Daddy · 01/10/2010, 08:43 PM

I will also jump on the bandwagon, I stronly urge you to do better than CF lighting. Its worth it in the long run, I dumped thousands of dollars into my first tank on upgrades and mistakes.

reefienick · 01/14/2010, 08:56 PM

Thanks everyone. I will see if I can find someone around here that can drill the tank otherwise I will most likely be stuck with HOB. But I will watch it closely if I do!!

jacks6514 · 01/15/2010, 07:29 AM

reefienick,
I to am just returning to SW and also using 75 DT and 29 sump. I think you should check out glass holes and talk with Mike 805-929-4896 about an overflow and return kit. He was very helpful and knowledgeable and took the time to discuss water flow with me. I ordered the 1500gph overflow and plan on drilling it myself with the guidance of a glass shop assisting. I am going to drill for the overflow and also drill two 3/4" returns on either side of the overflow so that everything looks symmetrical. You can purchase just overflow if you like and run return over top back into tank or buy the return kit and drill those too for a really clean look in your tank.

Good Luck
Michael

01/09/2010, 08:15 PM	#1
reefienick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 39	Plans for 75 Gallon Reef Tank I have a 75 Gallon tank that I am going to convert from freshwater to saltwater reef tank. Here is my plan of what I was going to do. Any comments and suggestions would be much appreciated. I will be purchasing a hang on the back overflow that will flow to a 30 gallon tank under the 75 gallon. I was going to have rock and sand in the 30 gallon tank. I have a canister filter that I was going to pump the water from the 30 gallon tank up to the 75 gallon reef tank. (Is this a good idea to use a canister for this??) I am going to get some rock and add a smaller portion of live rock to it and cycle the rock. Same with the sand. I was going to add 2 or 3 power heads in the tank. Should I get the ones that move from side to side? Also how much water flow is needed? I want to have enough water flow but not too much. I am going to do compact florescent lights but not sure what type yet so any suggestions here would be great (I will most likely get a DIY light)] I am not sure if I am going to get a protein skimmer or not. So far this is what I have planned out for my 75 gallon reef tank. Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

01/09/2010, 08:23 PM	#3
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	Here is a list of things to get/change about your plans: 1) Don't use the canister filter to return from the sump. I would suggest a mag 7, but there are plenty to choose from. 2) If you want some simple to start with go with Hydor Koralias for your powerheads. For moderate flow I would say 2 Koralia 3's should be enough. 3) Don't get CF lights especially if you are good at DIY. Get yourself a T5 retro kits. Start with 2 bulbs and you can always add more in pairs if you want to keep coral etc. The great thing about retrofit is you can add more because you are not limited by a fixture. 4) Get a protein skimmer, they are necessary in reef tanks IMO. Its an important piece of your filtration. It doesn't have to be fancy, maybe an Octopus 150 or something similar. Thats a whole different topic. It sounds like you've done some research. Welcome to the world of reefing __________________ Ryan

01/09/2010, 08:27 PM	#4
210reefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 75	Def take your time and always use quality components like lighting, skimmer, etc. As for the cannister doing the return, I would'nt. I would go with an actual return pump, a mag 7 or 9 with a valve to control flow, a typical overflow is 1" so it will be 600 gph minus loss for any curves/elbows that slow flow. __________________ 210 RR, 30 gal sump, Aqua Euro 250 skimmer, 2 x K4's, 2xK3's, turbo twist UV, 2 x 300 watt heaters, shop light w/6500k bulb for fuge, 300 lbs LR, 300 lb LS, powder blue tag, kole tang, regal tang, humu humu trigger, coral beauty angel, 2 x perc. clowns. ITS NOT THE DAYS IN OUR LIFE BUT, THE LIFE IN OUR DAYS THAT MATTER.

01/09/2010, 09:35 PM	#6
garzaci Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Richlands, NC Posts: 241	Do the T5s. Also, don't use the canister filter for that. Something is bound to go wrong and leave your floor soaking wet and your tank/sump empty. __________________ Carlos No tank at all. Sold everything when I got stationed in Okinawa. Planning for when I return though. Current Tank Info: 20 gal reef tank

01/10/2010, 04:07 PM	#11
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	Definitely T5's over PC's IMO. Do some research (looks like you are already) on what makes a good T5 set up. A good T5 set up can be a fantastic set up, and not so good T5 isn't much more then PC's. Definitely no on using the canister as a return, but I would add this. I'd shoot for 3x-5x turnover through your sump. You could probably get away with less of a pump as your return. Just food for thought. *Edit* I was just looking at the head loss chart on MD.com for the danner pumps, and a mag 7 with a decent amount of head loss isn't as much flow as I thought it would be, not a bad choice. Skimmers are good. Good skimmers are great. Bad skimmers...not so much. Depending on what your looking to do, you could get away with a large refugium, and no skimmer. Although IMO a decent skimmer is never a bad thing. Koralias are a good choice for flow. You want to shoot for 20x turnover on the low end. A lot of people go a lot higher then that depending on what you're looking to keep. Also, I'd highly recommend drilling the tank (or having drilled) if it's not set up already. Not much cost different, actually cheaper depending on the HOB overflow you use, and a much better set up in the long run. __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav Last edited by phenom5; 01/10/2010 at 04:21 PM.

01/09/2010, 08:33 PM	#5
Chasmike Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ladson, SC Posts: 30	i agree with T-5 versus CF for sure. T-5 gives much more lighting choices and colors.

01/09/2010, 09:49 PM	#7
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	+1 on t5's. +1 on the canister not being right for the job +1 on the hydor koralias(they are not the best, but plenty of people have good success. it is what I use) I would also say, if the tank is not set up yet, why not drill the tank for a correct overflow? I think when starting from scratch, definitely using a sump, I would drill every day of the week with a real overflow vs HOB overflow. The HOB overflow just has too many openings for disaster.

01/10/2010, 11:49 AM	#8
reefienick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 39	Thanks for all of the expertice here. I will not use my canister filter and look at the mag 7. I also am now for sure getting a skimmer!!!! I also like the T5 alot better than the compact florecent!!! Thanks for all the adive and anyother suggestions would be VERY welcome.

01/10/2010, 12:08 PM	#9
theo4thorn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: big flats Posts: 60	I have already lost one complete tank and have recently started a new one. TAKE YOUR TIME and dont rush allowing the tank to go through its cycle. Learn all u can about water quality and diseases. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck

01/10/2010, 03:00 PM	#10
reefienick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 39	I plan on taking my time. I am not converting for a least 3 months. I am saving money as well as finding out what I need. There will be many more questions coming from me to reef central

01/10/2010, 04:54 PM	#12
fishybudguy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: boonville IN Posts: 157	ok this is simple.....everyone is giving great advice i wont add anything otherthan t5s are nice but not what i use,protein skimmer......yea this is a must......check out the aqua c remora hang on it is supposed to be good and it comes from a very good family........MOST IMPORTANT like all say go slow dont believe in all the jump start stuff,it helps but you still cant cycle in 2 minutes...try at least a month no matter what anyone says trust me.....whats your rush,take it slow and you will reep the benefits versus rushing into it and waisting a bunch of money.... good luck and happy reefing __________________ love the earth, love the sea,ride a bike, scuba dive, and always drink budweiser Current Tank Info: 110 reef

01/10/2010, 05:31 PM	#13
swamprat Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 63	would a remora be big enough for a 75?

01/10/2010, 08:06 PM	#14
reefienick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 39	where would be a good place to get the glass drilled? I would not want to do it myself for this. I am handy but I don't think I am that handy?? If I put an extra small hang on back overflow would that help? I guess the problem is if it clogs, is this correct?

01/10/2010, 08:16 PM	#15
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	there are many problems. It could clog, it could lose suction. The biggest issue is if you lose power, you COULD lose syphon, and you will pump your entire sump into your display, OR that your return could create a syphon, and some of your DT will empty into your sump. If controlled and watched, shouldnt be an issue, BUT if not watched intently, could cause an issue. I know that drilling the hole is said to not be too hard. BUT, I wouldn't trust it either. Try and get a local aquarium builder that builds glass tanks in your area. you can EASILY get the tank drilled, and a bulkhead installed for the same price of many of the hang-on overflows. Any builder that builds glass tanks should be able to drill your tank fairly easily.

01/10/2010, 08:43 PM	#17
P-Daddy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 118	I will also jump on the bandwagon, I stronly urge you to do better than CF lighting. Its worth it in the long run, I dumped thousands of dollars into my first tank on upgrades and mistakes.

01/14/2010, 08:56 PM	#18
reefienick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 39	Thanks everyone. I will see if I can find someone around here that can drill the tank otherwise I will most likely be stuck with HOB. But I will watch it closely if I do!!

01/15/2010, 07:29 AM	#19
jacks6514 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9	reefienick, I to am just returning to SW and also using 75 DT and 29 sump. I think you should check out glass holes and talk with Mike 805-929-4896 about an overflow and return kit. He was very helpful and knowledgeable and took the time to discuss water flow with me. I ordered the 1500gph overflow and plan on drilling it myself with the guidance of a glass shop assisting. I am going to drill for the overflow and also drill two 3/4" returns on either side of the overflow so that everything looks symmetrical. You can purchase just overflow if you like and run return over top back into tank or buy the return kit and drill those too for a really clean look in your tank. Good Luck Michael